As a border state, Texas has long battled against the importation of illegal drugs. Interstate 40 is a common drug-smuggling corridor, and Amarillo authorities are on the lookout for any violations.
There are a variety of controlled substances that might be manufactured. Such as methamphetamine, mescaline, GHB, or the ever-changing field of designer drugs. The common denominator in all of them is how vigorously prosecutors pursue convictions and the severity of the penalties.
If you or someone you know was accused of manufacturing a controlled substance in Texas. An Amarillo drug manufacturing lawyer may be able to help. An experienced attorney could provide sound legal advice and guidance at every step of your case.
What is Drug Manufacturing?
Under Texas law, manufacturing a controlled substance is defined as making or producing that substance. Or in the case of something organic like peyote or psilocybin mushrooms, growing or cultivating them.
Examples of manufacturing a controlled substance include:
- Turning quantities of cocaine into crack cocaine
- Cooking methamphetamine in a home-made laboratory
- Growing “magic mushrooms” in a grow tank in a basement
- Engineering a chemical analog that mimics the effects of another controlled substance. Like a designer drug that is similar to MDMA or GHB
- Refining raw opium to make heroin
As an Amarillo drug manufacturing attorney may advise. Any of these actions could lead to criminal charges that carry harsh penalties upon conviction.
Potential Penalties
Texas drug manufacturing laws break down the offense into “penalty groups” based on the type of controlled substance involved. To determine the potential penalties for a drug offense. Courts look at both the penalty group and the quantity of the drug.
For example, manufacturing 200 grams of MDMA (a Penalty Group 2 substance) is punishable by five to 99 years in jail. As well as life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. A conviction for growing four grams of mescaline (also a Penalty Group 2 substance) can result in a sentence of two to 20 years in jail. In addition to a fine of up to $10,000. Producing 400 grams of methamphetamine (a Penalty Group 1 substance) can lead to 15 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
When a child is present during the commission of the crime. In most cases the punishment will be increased dramatically. For example, in the aforementioned methamphetamine case. The presence of a child at arrest would increase the sentence to a 20-year minimum term of incarceration and a fine of up to $300,000. In any case, drug manufacturing charges can lead to serious punishments with lifelong implications for those convicted.
Contact an Amarillo Drug Manufacturing Attorney Today
Texas law treats those convicted of manufacturing controlled substances the same as those who distribute and sell them. Given the harsh penalties for drug charges in Texas, defendants should not risk handling their case without an aggressive criminal defense attorney by their side. The knowledge and experience of an Amarillo drug manufacturing lawyer could make a big difference in the outcome of a case. In Conclusion, call today to schedule a consultation.